This paper argues that ethnic language retention is core to the productivity of ethnic minorities. The decline of ethnic languages such as the Samoan language in New Zealand signals a loss that poses a serious threat to the wellbeing and productivity of Samoans in New Zealand. The Samoan language is under serious threat in New Zealand. The absence of a language policy by New Zealand governments to ensure the maintenance of the Samoan language in New Zealand has largely contributed to the decline in the number of speakers.